German Chancellor Merkel travel to China to discuss eurozone crisis

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has travelled to China for a visit that will focus on the eurozone crisis and boosting confidence in the euro.

Merkel arrived in China on Thursday on a three-day mission, her fifth trip to the world’s second largest economy, in which she will discuss the eurozone with her Chinese counterparts, meet investors and seek to boost confidence in Europe.

Merkel met Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday and is also scheduled to hold talks with President Hu Jintao and visit the wealthy, southern province of the Chinese manufacturing hub Guangdong in the company of a trade delegation on Friday.

Germany and China, the world’s top two exporters, enjoy vibrant trade relations and Merkel will hold talks on possible increased Chinese involvement in the International Monetary Fund, access to Chinese markets and intellectual property rights, according to a German government source.

Chinese officials have long indicated their willingness to contribute to global efforts to bail out Europe, they have however, made clear Beijing would not take the lead and would prefer to see more convincing efforts from Europe itself to resolve the crisis.

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